The phrase "cracked the whip" denotes a person in a position of authority who is enforcing strict rules, regulations, and discipline. An antonym for this phrase would be "letting loose" or "letting go," which represents someone who is lenient and has a relaxed approach to managing their responsibilities. Another antonym could be "yielding control," suggesting someone who is giving up their authority to others. These opposite expressions emphasize the concept of being easy-going and allowing others to make their own choices rather than imposing strict guidelines. The use of antonyms helps to provide a balanced and nuanced understanding of the original phrase.